"Is it about me?" she said.
"Yes, dear. You know the three upper chambers which foolish people believe to be haunted, Golden?"
"Yes," she said, and he saw a slight quiver pass over the delicate lips, and her face grew pale.
"Of course you know that is all nonsense, little one," he said, reassuringly. "There are no ghosts in Glenalvan Hall. It is only foolish and superstitious people who believe that silly tale. Golden, would you be willing to remain secluded in those haunted rooms for one week, or for whatever number of days John Glenalvan's expected guest shall remain?"
The breath came a little faster over the beautiful, parted lips.
"I am almost afraid," she sighed. "Oh, grandpa, why should they wish to hide me away like a criminal? I have done nothing."
"I know that, dear. It is a heartless whim of those heartless people. They do not wish their guest to see you, or even to know of your existence. Do not mind them, pet. Perhaps they are jealous and fear that he might fall in love with you. That would never do, because they mean to marry him to Elinor and prop the fallen fortunes of the Glenalvans. You will humor their fancy, won't you, Golden?"
The pansy-blue eyes flashed with resentful fire.
"Why should I humor them?" she cried. "They are hard and cold to me. Why should I shut myself up in prison, away from the sunshine, and the flowers and the birds in those gloomy, haunted chambers for their sake?"
"It is for my sake, darling," he replied. "I have promised them that you will do it for me. Will you not do so, Golden?"